Volunteering is a wonderful way to get involved in an interesting activity and to give back to the community at the same time. Another benefit is that you can make new friends who enjoy the same activity that you do. There are so many volunteering opportunities available in every community–enough to fit every personality type and comfort level. The secret is to volunteer at something that is interesting and exciting to you. That way, it can become a passion and motivate you to embrace life (a theme I stress repeatedly in my speeches and blogs). Are you a people-person? If so, then you might choose a pursuit that brings you in contact with people such as at the help desk at a hospital, museum, police or sheriff department, etc. I’m a people-person and I love to perform. I, also, I love science and animals, and I live close to the world famous La Brea Tar Pits. So, I guide tour groups around the La Brea Tar Pits and inside its concomitant Page Museum. My group talk is like performing a monologue in front of an audience. My group members are all so appreciative, and I love the experience. It’s definitely a win-win for everyone involved. I had to study hard to learn my subject, but I’m passionate about it and it’s been very rewarding. Maybe you’re a one-on-one person. My dog and I used to be a pet-therapy team visiting patients at a local hospital. Maybe you’re the reserved, private type. There are lots of behind-the-scenes volunteer activities. I have a friend who used to volunteer in the “bone room” of the local Natural History Museum sorting ancient animal bones. Maybe you like children. I have another friend who volunteered in a classroom at a nearby grammar school. Do you like animals? There are lots of volunteer opportunities at local animal shelters or animal rescue organizations. I have another friend who used to be a tour guide at the zoo. If you like art, check out the local art museum. Here are a few more ideas where you might volunteer: public gardens, local festivals, theaters, aquariums, senior centers, etc. Just drive around your town and see what piques your interest. Then, get on the phone, call them, and ask if they are seeking volunteers. Better yet, go in person. Ask friends, acquaintances, neighbors or the librarian for ideas of where to volunteer. I know it may be difficult, embarrassing or uncomfortable, but as I’ve said before: If it’s hard, do it anyway! NOTES: My next author talk/book signing for my memoir: Adventures with Dad: A Father and Daughter’s Journey Through a Senior Acting Class, will be on November 18, 2013, 7:00pm, at the Cerritos Library, 18025 Bloomfield Ave, Cerritos, CA 90703. Join me there if you can, and be sure to come up and introduce yourself. Please forward my blog to anyone you think might be interested. It’s easy to read my previous blogs. Just scroll down a bit and you will see “Archives” on the right side of the page. Click on those entries and there they are! If you’d like to contact me or be added to my email list for notification of my future blog postings, click on this link to my book website: AdventuresWithDadTheBook.com and then click on the “Contacts & Links” tab.